Sometimes coming out as a lesbian is as simple as including the name of your girlfriend in an end of year thank-you post on Facebook, which is exactly what Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts did this week. For the television anchor who has beaten back cancer twice, the acknowledgement of her sexuality and same-sex relationship is yet another act of a courage.

Yesterday Ms. Roberts posted a message noting that she had reached a milestone: It has been a year since she reached the 100-day milestone since undergoing a bone-marrow transplant.

In the Facebook message Ms. Roberts thanked God, her doctors, and nurses as well as her sister Sally-Ann who was the donor. Then she continued: “I am grateful for my entire family, my long time girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious new year together.”

According to news reports, the couple has been together for 10 years and this is the first time that Ms. Roberts has publicly acknowledged the relationship.

“Thank you for coming out,” posted one woman on Facebook. “You are such an inspiration to so many.” Another poster wrote: “Awesome. Things are changing when someone in her position can come out.”

For being a role model to so many cancer survivors and now for courageously stepping out of the closet with grace, GMA’s Robin Roberts is our “Manners Hero of the Week.”

Every week, Steven Petrow, the author of five etiquette books, and the forthcoming Mind Your Digital Manners, chooses a “Manners Hero.”

Every single coming out is an act of bravery and courage. (It is sad that we live in a world that does not afford dignity to each and every human being.) For Ms. Roberts to do this, she will impact the lives of countless other people who desperately need signs of hope in positive role models. I applaud her and am inspired by her! What a gift she is!